Champion jockey Oisin Murphy was thrown from an out of control horse in a terrifying incident at Salisbury on Thursday afternoon.
The Co Kerry rider, on the verge of winning a hat-trick of British championships, collided with plastic rails when Oasis Gift ran loose in the parade ring.
Due to make his debut in the 1.50 race, the William Hill Play Responsibly British EBF Novice Stakes, the two-year-old took off at speed, as Murphy desperately tried to hold on.
But the 26-year-old had no chance when the newcomer jinked by the paddock exit, sending Murphy face first into the plastic railings surrounding the enclosure.
Officials and the racecourse doctor raced to the scene, with the sportsman left shaken by the scary spill.
Executive Director and Clerk of the Course Jeremy Martin said: "Oasis Gift became upset, sprinted across the parade ring and Oisin was thrown into the rail.
"It was a nasty accident. He remained on the ground for a few minutes, was fully conscious throughout. The doctor did a concussion test and he scored full marks.
"He sustained a cut lip and has been taken to Salisbury District Hospital as a precaution.
"Thankfully he appears to have avoided serious injury and we wish him all the best."
Oasis Gift, unhurt in the incident, was caught after racing onto the course.
The race, over seven furlongs, went off nine minutes late and was won by 11-10 favourite Wanees.
A Rule 4 applied to bets struck prior to Oasis Gift's withdrawal.
Murphy, replaced on his two remaining rides, had ridden 12 winners at the Salisbury this year, operating at a 29 per cent strike rate.
He led William Buick by ten in the title race at the start of proceedings on Thursday.
Murphy arrived at the racecourse fresh from a trip to France, where he rode Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe contender Chrono Genesis in a piece of work on Wednesday.
The Japanese raider, a 9-1 shot with the bookies. is one of 15 runners declared for Sunday's feature race.
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